Employees in British Columbia earned an average of $895 per week in December 2013 – almost 22% less than those in Alberta – according to Statistics Canada data released February 27.
Albertans earned the most in the country with an average of $1,146 per week, which is 4.6% more than they did a year ago. Employees in B.C., however, only saw weekly earnings increase 2.1% year-over-year from $876 per week in December 2012.
British Columbians' earnings were also 4% less than the national average of $933, which was an increase of 2.9% year-over-year from $907 in December 2012.
Earnings were up nationally due to a number of factors, including the average number of hours worked per week, which increased slightly from 33.1 hours per week from 33 hours a year ago.
Across Canada, the sector with the highest earnings was mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction, with an average of $1,976. This was followed by utilities ($1,777) and management of companies and enterprises ($1,374).
Employees in Nova Scotia earned the least in Canada, with $823 per week, followed by New Brunswick at $830.
